text:
The latest and greatest on CNN iReport, brought to you by Team iReport.
There's something special happening on iReport right now.
In the hours and days after the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, which left 20 schoolchildren and 6 teachers and administrators dead, I, like many others, found myself unable to fully process my feelings as I watched the story unfold.
One of our most important roles on the iReport team is to spark conversation among our audience around news events, and we often look for specific angles or calls-to-action to explore with the CNN community. Immediately following the Newtown shooting, though, there was no need to start a conversation – hundreds of CNN readers and viewers promptly began flooding our site with their reactions to the incident. Some wanted to talk about mental health care, while others were interested in the shooter's motives.
So, we listened to our audience and created a place for people to discuss whatever they wanted to. More than 1,500 iReport stories poured in, in addition to more commenters on Sandy Hook articles than for any other story this year on CNN.com.
A few days later – as people began to process their feelings – we discovered, not surprisingly, that the most powerful content we were getting were the personal tributes, children's letters and private memorials that families around the world were making to make sense of their grief. We started an interactive gallery we call an Open Story to showcase those, a powerful example of crowdsourcing that was one of the top stories on the CNN.com homepage yesterday.
At the same time, we knew there was an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation among gun owners. We invited owners of firearms banned under the now-expired federal weapons ban to join in the discussion, too. More than 100 gun enthusiasts have shared their thoughts on gun ownership and whether stricter gun control laws are the answer.
The image above and photo at the top of this post, both of which we received yesterday, represent how starkly different and powerful those two topics are. It's a huge testament to CNN's community that people moved to create memorials and people who feel passionately about firearms have been able to coexist peacefully on our site yesterday and hold meaningful conversations in the comments.
Within both groups, we've seen interesting, smart, poignant stories and discussions emerge. A story that's as incomprehensible and heartbreaking as Sandy Hook often leads to angry, emotional conversations (as I've seen far too often on Facebook threads this week). But I've been heartened to see two groups of people – those who are grieving and creating tributes to the victims and those who are willing and eager to share their thoughts on gun ownership – who are able to coexist thanks to the fact that we've carefully guided those conversations and given them a safe, respectful forum to do so.
As the Sandy Hook coverage continues and the debates undoubtedly carry on, I look forward to seeing what topics we explore with our community next.
I like how out of the 100's of photos and stories YOU post the picture of the craziest looking person. You suck Katie, You truly enjoy endorsing only one sided information and miss the valid points 100's of people are trying to make. You may be pro gun control but millions of Americans are not, Please have some journalistic integrity and show both sides of the debate in a fair manner.
Why did you pick the craziest/most menacing readers picture for this piece? I read through all of the 100's of posts and even posted my own picture and reasons why I own these weapons in question. YOU chose to report on the one person that places gun owners like myself in worst light both visualy and written. The gentleman whom you posted the picture of had one of the less than mediocre reason for owning guns. Many other gun owners had 100% better and more valid reasons for owning these firearms.
As a journalist you shound have a little more integrity and show both sides of this debate in a fair manner. For you to sift through 100's of articles and photos readers send in and then choose the one that shows gun owners in the worst way is unethical.
Have a little integrity as a professional and show both sides fairly.
Feel free to contact me back,
This guy should have known that CNN would be phishing for these types of photos. I dig that H&K but to the owner... YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. This doesn't help! And to CNN... have you no integrity?
Nice picture. Pick the craziest, nuttiest looking wack job to represent the gun community. You should have taken a picture of me this afternoon as I dropped off a whole truck load of donated Christmas presents, scarves and gloves to my church with a big smile on my face. I was carrying then. I hate the negative bias. Especially from a journalist who is supposed to be on a mission to find the real story. You simply want to validate an agenda. Whatever sells the best with your liberal base though right? For shame!
If the NRA wants to profit millions on selling guns. Then ask taxpayers to pick up the tab to protect our kids,then they should step up an use their millions of lobbying cash to protect us from their idea of rights to guns
We need to limit and or watch the weopons we give to certain people and question what will they use the weopon for...
I was under the impression she was showing contrasting photos to explain the diversity of people and their responses. Sounds like a lot of hate mail going on and I don't even know who Katie is =( Sad people.
I'm a teacher. My school has had a full time deputy on duty for 20+ years. They are armed, they can arrest, protect and educate kids on many issues. They are our heroes. The NRA is right. Don't lock up guns lock up the insane. One assault rifle vs a pistol. Why are we having that arguement. Is it OK to kill 5 kids vs killing 20? Silly. The NRA is right. Read the Surgeon General's report on mental health. It calls us a fractured nation when it comes to mental health issues. The NRA is right. Most of the press and the politicians are wrong if they go after gun control. Stop going down that road. Go down the prison-assylum road.
I wanted to see what others thought of NRA? Today I went out and scraped the NRA stickers off my vehicles. I feel the NRA is no longer in touch ethically or morally. They do not represent my thoughts or vision. The NRA released statement they were taking firm stance about automatic weapons. They have no problem with current system. They did say they suggested we put armed guards in schools. This to me is just another half baked idea just so they look like they care in some fashion. The NRA is supposed to be promoting saftey and gun education. They do not!!Personally, I feel no one needs a automatic weapon only the military or police. As of now anyone can walk into a gun show which there are many and buy any weapon without background check. They are buying from indivduals and not companys and therefore this exempts them. This has to change too. On a personal story I live in a small town. Six years ago a local citizen about 55 years old had never had a hand gun. This citizen had done alot for community and was well liked. He snapped one day as another person was making bad statements along with wriiten things about him being gay. He was gay and open but it was the harasment and embarasment in small town. He went to local pawn shop bought a semi auto pistol and hour later went into local diner with a full restaurant and shot the waitress he thought had been harassing him.Turned out he shot the wrong person. Anyway, it could have been very bad but bad enough with one dead. My point is we need better waiting periods and back ground checks. Also, we don't need guns in schools. Yes, we need security but maybe those trained with tazer guns is only one thought. There has got to be better alternitives to this violence if we can get the outside influences like the NRA and there lobby to stay out. I blame in part our legislative body for dragging there feet and allowing perts and donations to campaigns. I think it will take a grass roots campaign to get something done and to think outside the proverbal box. We have seen this physical cliff thing with legislative body and they can't even decide anything there so what would make the gun issue any different??
Oh for crying out loud. We need serious education on all fronts. Like so many divisive issues, the two sides of this one barely talk the same language so it is no wonder they can't communicate. I am a gun guy so I will start by speaking to my own. Most people are not wanting to have the SS swing by and round up weapons. Most of them are afraid, they don't understand the culture and equate serious gun owners to some of the trumped up reality show bunk. As gun owners we cannot be isolationists. We HAVE to be at the table. We have to drive the conversation on gun control or we will end up with another moronic placebo like the original AWB.
Non gun people. Look. Automatic weapons are already banned. Semiautomatic weapons have been around for a very long time A revolver is effectively a semiautomatic pistol. Every trigger pull makes a bullet come out (I know there are technicalities to what I just said). The point is, the bans and other claptrap are focused on qualities that are purely cosmetic. The gun folks are appalled because it is the equivalant of trying to regulate speeding car by banning chrome exhaust tips... You cannot ban your way to safety. We need to understand one another. When you start talking banning my gun, a gun that has never harmed a soul and is responsably kept, I see it as having to relinquish my freedoms because someone else is stupid. It rubs me wrong. I know the UK and other places have gun bans and I don't care. I live in the United States. I believe in ALL the bill of rights.
If we don't come together and start having meaningful dialog that doesnt disintegrate into a soap opera we will end up with a law that angers al the gun owners and does absolutely nothing to keep us or our children safer.
It is a very sad state that the NRA thinks the answer is to put guns in school. There are. REAL solutions that need to be in place. All guns need to be registered and sold with a background check. Owners of guns have to take responsibility to keep children safe and guns out the gang bangers. Why do we want a terrorist to have a gun? This should pass with 100% of congress support. If not then throw them out!
Second is to eliminate rapid fire clips. Take the large clips out of the hands of the general public. These are REAL changes. The NRA should not tell Americans what to do. We need to tell the NRA what they will do. Time for the dog to wag the tail.
I will start out by saying I do not own a gun and never have and at this point do not intend to. I have no ax to grind with either side of the issue, except they are both quoting statistics that further their case and ignoring statistics that do not tell the story the way they want to hear it. One of the examples is Australia's Gun Control Law and the effect it has had.
I saw a news report on CNN the other day, in fact several of them that quoted the effects of Australia's gun laws as being responsible for a reduction of violent crimes. Accordingly, they were down 59%. I believe that was Don Lemmon quoting that percentage. I have a feeling it was a half truth and I have a link on Fact Check that you guys are so famously always doing that says different. Here is the result of several studies by snopes and news organizations in Australia that as late as May of 2009 say the facts and figures were showing insignificant decreases in GUN RELATED crimes. "The University of Melbourne, concluded that the buyback had no significant effect on firearm suicide or homicide rates." "So there's no consensus about whether the changes decreased gun violence or had little to no effect." You can find this info on FACT CHECK.ORG in an article dated May of 2009. If you will go to the New South Wales Crime Bureau statistics you will find that they too do not show a significant decrease in GUN RELATED crimes either. Your reporters, including A. Cooper, D. Lemmon, E. Burnett, C. Crowley and others all seem to be happy to quote statistics that are only partly correct when they are discussing something they have an opinion on. They use their podium to further their opinions which they should NOT be doing. They are news people. As such, they should be reporting on the news impartially and not MAKING the news.
I don;t know where to add something to what the British Papers have said about Piers Morgan against guns. I really hate what happened to Piers brother Ambrose years ago - I heard from a family link that Ambrose went missing off the Falklands about 1982?
I hate what happened to my niece's God Parents in Florida - they were shot in a car about 1990 according to the Radio - they were from Banbury in Oxon. Bob and Rose Heyward. I hate what happened to Gae Exton too - cf Christopher Reeve - she was shot according to the BBC News in 2005. I don't know if she survived?
I hate the thought of convicted murderers having guns and people playing dangerous games. I never went to Israel because I heard men were going around with machine guns.
The bible Story of Esther is interested because a letter was written to kill all the Jews but she intervened - there were still some who wanted to see them killed but at the end of the story they had to defend themselves against the enemy.
I grew up in a home of an irresponsible gun owner. My little sister found a loaded gun in a cabinet and shot a hole through Moms purse. Guns were displayed in an unlocked cabinet in the living room in a house with 9 kids. I get cold chills thinking of all the crazy things kids do. I feel there is a gun culture gone out of control in the U.S. There is no way I could ever be convinced of a need for the number of guns out there! Assault rifles are properly named..ASSAULT weapons.There is no place for them outside the military!
Maybe the NRA should try and get gun rights to All people visiting the United States or on temporary visa's so they can protect themselves while they're here in this fine country. Think of all the money they could make, and the government could get in on the action with too, by taxing the transactions and then offering a buy back program on the weapons. They can't take the guns home, but they can be a supporting member of the NRA International.
threefifty7 Greetings to TULSA 01. Here are a few suggestions for you. Give your opinions and make your points freely. You absolutly have that right! But how can you think that you can be believable and contribute to the debate when you have hardly a single fact right in your argument! YOU GIVE THE impression that the NRA is some kind of fortress with a few big shots making all the decisions. It is an organized, very large part of USA citizens,representitive of good, average men and women who like firearms! They are sportsmen/women, firemen, police officers, lawyers, doctors,teachers,church members and their leaders and yes even insurance people. Now if you think you're going to disturb the rights of all these people just because "they don't fit into YOUR way of thinking" you better do a lot more research on facts about the subject of fire arms and legal organizations! And then rant on how you go out and deface private property. Disgusting!! P.S. send everyone a list of your favorite organizations. Maybe they should be scruutinized.
my gun my responsibility
The solution is rather simple.
Every newly manufactured gun will have an embedded chip. When remotely activated the properties of the chip will disable the gun for good. Adds $1 to cost or $5 to retail price.
Since every gun is registered to an owner, when the gun is lost or stolen the owner's responsibility will be to report this via text, a call, on-line access etc.. to a hot-line which will enable the gun to become disabled and GPS-traced.
Motive is that owner is held responsible for the safeguard of the gun. Technology is available and cheap. Look at your phone or Tablet; it has an App that knows your location very precisely.
Existing guns will have to be refurbished to acquire similar properties by re-registering and applying a patch with GPS-tracing chip.
Additionally all owners will report (text, voice, on-line) on a monthly basis that guns in their possession are in a safe place and not lost or stolen. I believe existing laws will secure the support of such an idea.
On occasion I receive letters from Costco advising that a product purchased by me on a certain date has manufacturer recall and instruct me what to do........I don't think they are violating any privacy laws.
LIFE IS ABSTRACT. People no longer care. The Mayans got it right, even though December 21st was not the right day. In an abstract way they got it right. Where are we and how did we get here? Today, kids can play video games and shoot people and nobody thinks anything of it. We live in a world where the horrors on the street are not talked about and vilified but made movies of in various ways and still we don't have the common decency to shun these movies or video games. Life imitates art.Art imitates life. There are no borders. Today a kid aged 6 in Connecticut is afraid to go to school without a gun strapped to himself or his teacher being armed with a gun. Is that not the end of the world or de we need to see an asteroid hitting the earth before acknowledging our own self destruction? Are we so poor in our minds that today we even CONSIDER the possibility of harming a 6 year olds innocence even further by debating on daytime TV that it would be rational to consider the fact that its OK to have a gun around. God bless America. It lasted just over 200 years but the experiment is over. I just hope whomever takes over has the same spirit as the founding forefathers of America. America lost that spirit and honour in 2012.
I think that if u think that guns are evil you are wrong. it is not the weapon that makes you evil it is your mind. the gun don't tell you to pull the trigger does it no. but what might happen is that they should make sure your mentally fit to own a firearm. (:
god bless america
Suggestions for gun control bill:
1. Mental health care. Tag those with abnormal behavior, As soon as it becomes a public safety concern it stops being a privacy issue. Folks who are really odd go on the watch list just like felons, domestic disturbance people, conduct anger management people.
2. Make concealed carry laws universal and have standards to pass in order to get them. Allow teachers who want to carry to carry concealed. Not all teachers, just those willing to train with cops to safely use and be effective with them in life threatening situations.
3. Encourage and require gun owners to use gun safes, and be responsible for all weapons always being secured. Gun owners must be held responsible for weapons that are stolen. Negligence must be a major concern for allowing guns to walk, and later be used in crime.
4. All sales to anyone need to go through a state police background list. Oregon does it for $10.00 and it takes 30 minutes. The cops have lists of people not allowed to buy weapons. Gun shows, and just private people must have a tracking number of what serial # went where, with finger prints on file.
5.Semi-auto guns should have a magazine limit of 10 rounds capacity. This is a gun control, feel good requirement to mostly make anti-gun folks who have never needed a gun for preventing a crime, feel better about not knowing much about human nature, and life.
6.Gun safety classes for all 8th grade students to alert them to spot unsafe gun handling, and how to avoid people who are not safe. All in society will come in contact with guns in America. All should know how to open action to ensure gun is not loaded, and is never pointed at any thing where a discharge would hit to cause damage or death to. Always treat every gun, as if loaded and could go off at any second.
6. Do not tamper with the 2nd Amendment. It is #2 in importance of the original 10 individual rights guaranteed to all citizens of America. It was first only for white males of property, and wealth, but additional amendments retroactively improved it to guarantee this right to women, and citizens of all creeds and different races. As we have grown and tried to get it right .... and be in harmony with the Declaration of Indendance, it remains the one check and balance to remind us we are all indeed trusted enough to be truly free. This country was formed by minute men, common citizens armed beyond the reach of police, soldiers, and governments all of which can and do go bad. The armed citizen is the most immediate method to protect self and family when other forms of protection are minutes away, but not there when immediate deadly force is needed.
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
- Darrell Scott , father of Columbine victim, addressing Congress December 2012
I would like to share what the Culver City High School Student Council made as a memorial to Sandy Hook. Perhaps we should reflect a bit.
(1-minute delay at the beginning)
I have recently felt a sad sense of loss that the United States is changing before my eyes, and not for the better. As a people, we seem to be more introspective, colder, maybe even a bit meaner of late.
Some of this comes as fallout from the 2012 presidential election. In those months leading up to November, I recall the relentless, despicable, hateful shots lobbed back and forth between the two parties. This was by far the saddest, sickest presidential campaign I can remember.
And then there was Superstorm Sandy, creating an unbelievable loss of life and property on the East coast. Watching those poor, now-homeless survivors cry in the cold, pleading for help, was hard to watch. All we could do was cry along with them. In the end, Sandy forever changed the lives of thousands of families, people like you and me.
And we were saddened beyond belief by the terrible shooting of 20 innocent children and six adults at Sandy Hook School in Connecticut. The sobbing parents whose children had been shot was too hard to watch. But we did, and we sobbed with them.
Enter the New Year! We ushered in 2013 and with it, the so-called Fiscal Cliff. What a fiasco! To see our country's pompous President and our Congress-in-chaos try to agree on a last-minute deal -- after they had months to do it right and without the added pressure of time. This too was sad to watch. Are these characters the best we have to run the nation's business? I don't think the situation in Washington is going to change any time soon. I hope I'm wrong.
Most Americans have also been exposed to all of the above. Maybe the sadness I feel is also felt and acted out by a good share of Americans. As we go forward, we can't prevent another Superstorm. And I personally believe that, whichever side of the gun laws you happen to be on, evil still seems to find a way to make the headlines.
Lastly is the dysfunction in Washington, D.C. I hope the Executive and Legislative branches will step up, put aside any differences and try harder to do the "right" thing for the American people. There are many tough issues on their plate and our elected officials must remember that they work for us.
I think we're at a crossroads where we Americans "must" pay closer attention to what is happening in Washington. Only if we're well-informed and stay well-informed, will our vote be the right vote. I want to see America return to the days where we are proud of our country, proud to be an American! Let's hope this is possible.
AR15 owners defend the right of ownership by citing the constitution. So, can Wolf Blitzer park an M1 Abrams tank on his front lawn? The law does limit which weapons a private citizen may own. The same law preventing tank ownership ought to be able to control an ownership of an AK or AR15 assault rifle.
I was disgusted by your interview with Cpl Boston this morning. This former marine made a very valid point that you glossed over and dismissed as if it were crazy. Boston said that hunting and sporting were not included in the second amendment. Does this mean anything to reporters, or is your opinion more valuable than the constitution?
The 2nd amendment does not exist for deer hunters. It exists for a people to be able to rise against tyrrany. The second amendment was designed so that we could over throw the government if the government stopped respecting our liberty. We need to have weapons comparable to those weapons that will be used against us by an oppressive tyrant. We will need more than ten rounds of ammunition against our current military.
The Sandy Hook school shooting was a terrible tradgedy as were all mass killings. Those mentally ill people who did those things could have made bombs, they could have used knives (as was done in China), or they could have started a fire. Stopping mad men from committing crimes may never be possible. The threat from these few people, however, should not be used to take away liberty from the rest of us. It's against the constitution. Dianne Feinstein is a tyrant who is threatening freedom -- that should be your story.
The media has done a dismal job of reporting news. Your agenda is constantly sewn into your reports. The questions you asked Cpl Boston were a hundred times tougher than any question you would ask one of your hero democrats. Why is that? Why not demand Dianne Feinstein to read the second amendment and explain why she feels she should be able to change the constitution? The election is over and CNN needs to examine it's corporate integrity and start practicing real journalism. Get tougher on Washington, stop dividing the country, and start reporting the news, not your opinions.
What I find continually hard to believe is how so many adults can be swept up in political hyperbole. The FACTS do not support a need for gun control. I want to repeat that one more time: THE FACTS don't support a need for any further gun controls. There is no correlation between an increase in gun ownership and gun violence. As a matter of fact, the opposite seems to be the case. 60% of countryside homes have a firearm (probably multiple) yet the rate of gun violence is very low in these areas. Take into account that only about 30% of urban homes have a gun, but contrast that with the fact that most gun crime can be found in the city. Also take into account that every single mass shooting since 1950 (except for one) has occurred in an area where lawful possession of a gun is forbidden. I urge all truly concerned citizens to get educated about guns and the facts behind gun violence in America. Recently, a fellow named Sam Harris wrote a very good piece (mostly good) about guns on his Blog at samharris.org called "The Riddle of the Gun." This article, in one quick read, covers all the facts and figures of gun violence. It's all true. I don't disagree with the stats he quotes, but there are some areas where his opinion is off base (in my opinion). But overall, it's an outstanding and FACT BASED look at gun violence. YOU SHOULD READ IT. Senator Feinstein's re-hashing of a failed former law is nonsense. If that law had been found effective, or necessary, it would still be law. As a matter of fact, since the Assault Weapons Ban went away, there's been an overall increase in assault style weapons sales, yet no correlative increase in crimes committed with that weapon system. There are calls for lawful citizens to be "outed" because they own guns; newspapers and State Reps calling for lists to be published? Can this be seen as anything other than Fascism? What's next, colorful patches sewn to the clothing of gun owners? Our founding fathers saw the people as the guarantor of our own freedoms, and they believed, rightly so, that any government was capable of caring more for itself than its citizens. They believed, and rightly so, that an armed citizenry kept the government in check. Of course, along with being armed, our forefathers assumed that we'd take full responsibility for our country as good citizens. Does anybody honestly believe that the government has YOUR best interest in mind? Would we be talking about the insanity that is the Fiscal Cliff if that were truly the case?
I find it interesting that so many people are donating so many things. I even heard that there were 30,000 teddy bears donated. Now I have no problem with people donating to those in need. I do have a problem with people hustling for donations to make everyone a instant millionaire like they did after 911.
Where is/was the out pouring of grieving and giving to all the other children that were killed in 2012 or children left without parents because their parents were murdered?
Do people only care if the news media makes it a big story? If anyone makes a profit over this they should be put in jail. If any parent or relative receives money except for counseling, Funeral expensives, and yes even a teddy bear should be ashamed of themselves.
I am sure certain people will become instant millionaires just like people did after 911.
Do not get me wrong, I deaply care about everyone involved, but I am also real - if you do not need monetary help do not take it. There are many tragedies
where people really need monetary support.
With regard to the proposals and suggestions for changes in Gun Laws,
a lot of the comments and suggestions I have seen here range from worthless to
just plain stupid. One guy wants to make gun owners responsible if their guns are stolen; REALLY?
you want to make the victim responsible for a crime that someone else commits? Even the best
gun safes can be broken into. Police have has guns, cars, uniforms stolen. Nothing is 100% nothing
in a sure thing. Many don't like the NRA's proposal to put armed guards in all schools, yet offer no
real and effective solutions of their own.
As for myself I just don't see the problem with armed security.
We have a school district in Texas that has had staff with CHL's carrying since 2007 - no problems.
We put armed guards at banks.
we put armed guards at baseball games
we put armed guards at football games
we put armed guards at basketball games
we put armed guards at the government buildings
we pay for armed security for the politicians
we spend billions of dollars to protect Iraqi and Afghan citizens
But you don't want to protect our students at school? How stupid is that?
I wouldn't be opposed to the background checks for private sales of guns, but the reality is, that
would not have stopped even one of these crimes..........
Criminals don't do background checks. Their guns come in the same box with their cocaine, crack,
PCP and they are delivered by the nice folks from the local drug cartel, gangbanger's etc... and generally delivered in a stolen car.
Most of the comments and suggestions focus wrongly on the GUN. They want to ban
rifles simply because they look like military rifles, but they are not.
An AR-15 is not a M-16. A MAK90 is not a AK47. A M1A1 is not a M-14.
It's no surprise that many of the crimes have been committed with AR-15's - it is the
single most popular hunting rifle produced.
The Governor of Texas has stated that he wants all Concealed Handgun License holders
to be able to carry their guns anywhere in the State, and that would be a good thing.
The changes need to focus on mental health and the criminal element. We already
have laws to cover virtually every aspect, we don't need more.
Piers Morgan...Alex Jones? An interview with Alex Jones? Really?
That guy is the quintessential nutjob, every single respectful village has an Alex Jones among the sane people.
None the less you, Piers Morgan, are a liar and here is why.
Why you keep saying that after the handgun ban in England there were no more gun mass murders? In 2010 taxi driver Derrick Bird shot dead 12 people and injured another 11 in West Cumbria, U.K. Apparently if a taxi driver can have easy access to a gun and commits mass murder, your ban on guns isn't that effective as you portrayed tonight, is it?
You have asserted that on the same day of the Connecticut massacre, in China 22 school children were assaulted by a knife wielding man, but no one perished because no guns were involved. What you fail to report is that in 2010, China had 18 children murdered by knife in their classrooms in 4 separate attacks, one of which claimed 8 of them. Is it because a lower number of children killed per attack is less important to you?
In the period between 2001-2012 there were 212 victims of mass murder in Western Europe, gunned down in Countries where guns are either very restricted or outright banned. 239 is the total for America. Gun control does not work when someone is bent to commit mass murder, take away the guns from the equation he/she will find another easy way perhaps even more despicable.
I personally don't care if you have 35 gun deaths per year in U.K. vs our 8,583 (FBI official tally for 2011, not 11,000 as you asserted), if I have to live in a country like the U.K. where the risk of being victim of a violent crime is 3 times higher than here at home. Hasn't ever crossed your mind that us having guns makes the difference and keeps the violent crime down?
Can you explain to us why the British police now patrols your country streets armed with sub-machine guns when all the guns are banned in England, like you proudly asserted in your show tonight? It never happened before 2009 that Bobbies, your own British police, walk around armed to the teeth. Can you explain us why?
I do not believe in gun control, I do not believe in vigilantes style armed guards at our so called "gun free zones".
I do believe that we need to allow people with concealed guns permits to exercise their 2nd amendment rights, allowing them free access to all the facilities who are not already guarded by Police and Sheriff departments and let everyone know they are among us.
These cowards that attack schools and malls and theaters do so because they know nobody will fight back, they know that law abiding citizens leave their guns at home event with a permit to carry concealed because they follow the law.
Ask yourself why we never hear of anyone ever attempting to shoot up gang's joints of any kind or color.
Morgans piece last night was not something you should be proud of . You put a wack job on from the radio and try to apply it to all of the firearm owners in the us .
Agree with both pburt62 and Eg2ndam. Piers constantly proves that what is good for England is not good for America. What is bad for Mexico would be worse for America. Piers Morgan please check out the story of several small towns and villages in Mexico now arming its citizens with guns in order to prevent widespread mass killings being done by drug cartels. Great theory about taking guns away in order to prevent wide spread killing, but it just does not work. Gangsters, criminals, and bad people not to mention insane people all seem able to get ahold of guns and do far greater damage when the good are defenseless.
I find it interesting that the discussion of this event has been primarily placed upon the topic of Gun Control and Mental health. Although these are valid and each needs to be looked at as an educator I find it interesting that the topic of "teacher expectation" has yet to be taken into account.
As an educator I find it sad that it is just accepted or expected that a teacher place themselves in the line of fire or that we are expected to give our lives to our students yet we are still paid the lowest of all careers, are expected to educate the children of the future on a dismal budget and are regarded as less than important to the greater sociological makeup.
Look at what we are expecting of our teachers and educators. Simply implementing NCLB does not make our live any easier yet again places additional stress and further expectations on our already stressful lives.
The teachers that gave their lives for their students were simply called heroic and then swept aside. We need to look with wiser eyes and realize that our teachers are dyeing for their profession.
The 2nd amendment does not exist for deer hunters. It exists for a people to be able to rise against tyrrany. The second amendment was designed so that we could over throw the government if the government stopped respecting our liberty. We need to have weapons comparable to those weapons that will be used against us by an oppressive tyrant. We will need more than ten rounds of ammunition against our current military.
Funny thought here, no one has yet touched upon the fact that all across the country police departments are laying off law enforcement officers..( i.e - California alone has laid off more officers then any other state in the nation and their increase in violence shows this wasnt the smartest move..yet they have money to support a professional football team??)I wonder if Feinstien has any thoughts on this subject, oh wait that is prob why she carries a concealed firearm herself.. Not to mention the fact that more criminals are being let out of jail to kill, rob, steal and pillage by the ineffective justice system then ever before, as long as they are the rght color they deserve a second chance to cause hell and mayhem, yet they want to target the law abiding citizens and take away our only means of defending ourselves from both the uniformed and un-uniformed criminals in our society. Gun control is not the main issue here, in order for our society to be disarmed we have to have full faith and confidence in our governement and law enforcement officials to protect us, personlly I am more afraid of our outstanding boys in blue then I am any criminal, the criminals do not have a federal, state and local license to kiil us at will our police and law makers do.. Just saying wake up and think for yourselves and stop letting the government do your thinking for you!!
Last thought here, has anyone noticed with the exception of the DC sniper that ALL of the recent mass shooting have been committed by white males between the age of 18-25? To curtail this legacy of violence let's just stop selling guns to this demograpic group, but if we did that is would most likely start a new civil war.
Thomas Paine says, "An Inquiry into the origin of rights will demonstrate to us that rights are not gits from one man to another, not from one class of men to another; for who is he who could be he first giver, or by what principle, or on what authority, could he possess the right of giving?" and further, "The circumstances of the world are continually changing, and the opinions of men change also; and as government is for the living, and not for the dead, it is the living only that has any right in it. That which may be thought right and found convenient in one age, may be thought wrong and found inconvenient in another. in such cases, who is to decide, the living, or the dead?"
The Constitution of the United States is a living document and is subject to interpretation by and for those who live in that time. We see and are experiencing that the second amendment is not working as interpreted by the NRA and the old Supreme Court and we need a new interpretation. The call for action is loud; the time for action is now. This is the time for all good and reasonable people to come together and make a change for the betterment of society. We should not miss the opportunity.
Comments have been flying back and forth for a long time now. People from other countries telling us what to do in our country. Sure their gun control might be very stern but we don't get all the truth. How many people die each year from Tasers each year? So far 70 people have died in the United States and Canada by the police. People in other countries who have strict gun laws are finding other ways to commit crime. 1,000,000 stun guns have entered the UK illegally. Criminals now use stun guns, which are 20 time more powerful than tasers. Police use of tasers in both our contries are running rampid. I understand that using fowl language in front of a police officer can land you in jail, in the UK. Gun owners should have gun safes in their homes. Bolted to the walls and floors. If you buy a gun, buy a safe too. One mor thought, reloaders should be respectful of their neibhors too. Lock up the gunpowder and bullets too. I have been told by a couple of reloaders in my lifetime. If my house catches on fire--Get out of the neibhorhood.
Had a person commenting on this subject, on another site, why Idaho, with 12.5 firearm deaths per 100,000 wasn't lower on the list of state firearm deaths per 100,000 since otherstates were lower than Idaho had higher firearm death rates per 100,000. Just to give you an idea, Mexico has 10.44 firearm deaths per 100,000. By comparison, you are safer in Mexico than in Idaho. Of course, most deaths in Idaho are accidental versus by crime in Mexico. However, stupidity is not an admirable way to die so I don't think accidental death is very comforting. So quit worrying about details. The point of the article is that we, in many states, live in an unsafe place. By the way, the second most dangerous developed county is Canada at 4.84(2009) per 100,000. Very few states are as safe as Canada. When we are compared to the developed world, we are 6 to 8 times more dangerous and we compare only to the danger faced in many, but not most (sadly), undeveloped or developing countries. Based upon that information, it is time to have an INTELLIGENT debate and VOTE.
By the way, My state is 36th (2012) in actual firearms death on this list, even though we are rated as 39th (on a recent published list). I think this rating, though I am not quite sure, is based upon an average over a few years. 2011 caught Washington in a bad year, 2011 caught Idaho in a good year. Hawaii does have quite a few hunters so this is surprising as the accident rate is very, very low. However, Hawaii has the most stringent laws in the U.S. and they have faced constitutional review and did not fail under the perspective of the second amendment. New Jersey and Massachusetts have excellent firearm requirements. Once assault weapons are properly dealt with along with licensing, registration, limits as to firearm ownership and a ban on clips that hold in excess of 10 rounds.
I own two firearms. I am skilled in firearm use. More required testing such as a firearm usage test (like an automobile test drive), eye tests (unless you have a licensed spotter due to handicap and have passed the appropriate firearm usage requirements), mental health testing and written usage exam. If you want a right to carry firearms, you ought to show that you are physically and mentally equipped to handle the arms you possess. Accidental deaths will drop significantly. Just to let you know, Idaho has an accidental firearm deaths rate of about 10 per 100,000. This is unnessary. Washington is at about 6 per 100,000. Hawaii has about 1 per 100,000. Other states are much, much worse than Idaho or Washington. What does that tell you?
One more thing. If I person feels a need to own beyond a limited number of arms (which ought to be set by legislation after debate) then it should be acceptable for them to own these arms as long as that firearm owner joins a military reserve unit for training and to assist the defense of the country. I believe that this not only favors the 2nd amendment but would allow us to visualize the intent of the defenders of the Bill of Rights. If they are not willing to serve their country as they own these weapons then they are not serious about their constitutional rights. And, no, previous military service ought no matter. Stringent dangers needs excessive requirements.
Anyway, that's my spin. Whats yours?
One more thing. Banning anything just increases illegal activity. We have outlawed cocaine and heroin usage and sales. We have a black market feeding demand. Prohibition did not work. Some economic statistics provide evidence that sales and consumption increased after economics went into effect.
Banning weapons will evolve into a black market. However, you may restrict, or ban in limited ways, some munition, attachments and weapons. The bans cannot be so excessive as to affect the current existence of legitimate business. However, price will increase due to restrictions and sales legitimately decreases. Some people won't pass test or meet registration requirments. Owning a high number of weapons is not worth joining a reserve unit. Business adapts but business cannot legally adapt to a complete ban.
I am so stunned that no one has gotten to the root of the gun problem. First we all must realize that only law abiding citizens follow the laws that are put into place. I don't think the criminal cares if he breaks the law since that is their intent to begin with.
The problem and solution to gun control is for people that own guns to be responsible, they should have their guns locked up so children can not get to them. It is the responsibility of every gun owner to make sure no one can steal or use those weapons. I have numerous guns from AK47 all the way down to a little 22 pistol. ALL of them are locked and hidden in our house. We need to impose laws on how guns are to be stored, and we need to hold people responsible for their guns. Yesterday the boy who shoot at the Taft school took his brothers gun. So who's fault is it for the shooting, the mentally ill child or the person who left the gun where he could get it. Lets get serious and start talking about the main problem. "HOW GUNS ARE STORED"
When pro-gun folk say crime statistics did not change after gun control CNN counters with gun-crime statistics; crime statistics are not the same as gun-crime statistics. With no personal weapons, gun crimes might go down but all crimes might go up. Please compare on the same basis, apples and apples; statistics for all crimes, before and after gun control.
why are u people keeping silent why Biafrans are been killed in daily bezis our old mothers and gren mother are been rept everyday does it means that CNN has no reporters in Biafra land? why do u people hate us like this as a people? what have we don against u people that u dont want the world to know what is happening to us as apeople the killings and repings that has been going on in our land by so call Nigeria if u dont have journalist in BIAFRA land pls u can go to this site www.radiobiafra.co there u can get the true news we need ur help come and help us GOD bless u all


text:
Find the best in design from independent artists, and make it uniquely yours.
Bring unique design to your wedding website, stationery, and decor, created by independent artists and customized for your big day.
Our curated collection of unique design especially for children, featuring apparel, home decor, stationery, and party essentials.
This take on Minted was made by undefined from , a member of Minted's community of independent artists.
Member Login/Join AMIA
We invite you to contribute your best work for presentation at the AMIA Annual Symposium – the foremost symposium for the science and practice of biomedical informatics. The AMIA 2018 Annual Symposium, to be held in San Francisco, November 3-7, 2018, invites submissions from informatics researchers and practitioners around the world.
Under the overall theme of " Data, Technology, and Innovation for Better Health " the Annual Symposium will build on more than 40 years of sharing pioneering research and insights for leveraging information to improve human health. Topics of interest span the spectrum from deciphering the underpinning phenomena of disease, to managing information and communications for improving patient care, to tracking the health of populations. The AMIA 2018 Annual Symposium will consider poster, podium abstract, regular paper, student paper, panel, demonstration, and workshop submissions that showcase the latest innovations from the community of biomedical informatics researchers and practitioners. We look forward to receiving your submissions by March 8, 2018 , and seeing you in November!Data, Technology, and Innovation for Better Health March 8, 2018
Patricia C. Dykes, PhD, MA, RN, FACMI, ChairElizabeth S. Chen, PhD, Vice ChairGeorge Demiris, PhD, Vice ChairYang Gong, MD, PhD, Vice ChairLi Zhou, PhD, MD, Vice Chair
All submissions must be made through the ScholarOne submission site: https://amiaannual2018.abstractcentral.com
IMPORTANT! The person designated as a PRESENTER will receive all communications from AMIA regarding the submission.
By submitting to the AMIA 2018 Annual Symposium, all presenters agree that if their submission is accepted, they will register for the full conference at the designated author registration rate.
Complete the online submission form as instructed and attach your submission formatted in compliance with the directions provided. Please review instructions and requirements for each of the major parts of a submission:
Thoughtful classification of your submission helps to ensure that each submission is reviewed by persons knowledgeable about its content. In addition, it helps greatly in structuring the meeting sessions, allowing better grouping of papers and presentations by area of interest. We recognize that no classification system is perfect and ask you to use your best judgment in making the determination for which themes and keywords best reflect your submission's content.
Jump to page contents
You are here:
Crowds at the Great Lakes Exposition.
Midway at the Great Lakes Exposition.
Show at Billy Rose's Aquacade at the Great Lakes Exposition.
260-pound ballerinas posing with the Goodyear blimp.
Fireworks at the Great Lakes Exposition.
Streets of the World, Great Lakes Exposition, Cleveland, Ohio, 1937.
Held in the summers of 1936 and 1937, the Great Lakes Exposition was sprawled over 135 acres of land near Cleveland's lakefront from W. 3rd St. to E. 20th St.
Organized to celebrate the centennial year of the incorporation of the city of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Exposition sought to highlight "the material, social and cultural progress which has been achieved in the Great Lakes Region in the past 100 years" and to "indicate the paths of progress for the future." 1
The Exposition featured hundreds of attractions, including rides, sideshows, botanical gardens, cafes, and more. In 1937, the Expo added an aquacade with water ballet shows featuring celebrities Johnny Weissmuller and Eleanor Holm .
Some of the Cleveland/Northeast Ohio industries represented at the Expo included the
White Motor Company
, the
nike air max 1 premium w schuhe far be beige grau z2CxOG
, Firestone Tire Rubber Company , Sherwin Williams , not to mention appearances by the Goodyear Tire Rubber Co.'s ever-popular air jordan 12 bred 2016 new sedan
The Special Collections Department of the Michael Schwartz Library at Cleveland State University makes available a variety of resources that document the history and events of the Exposition. Many of the materials, including 150+ photographs and color postcards have been digitized and are available for viewing on-line.
So take a step back in time and enjoy the sights of what was, without question, one of the most remarkable and beloved events in Cleveland history…Photographs and Postcards air jordan insoles
1 Great Lakes Exposition Official Souvenir Guide , 1936.
Thanks to Maya Shumyatcher from Hawken School in Lyndhurst, Ohio, who digitized, researched and cataloged images on this site from the Charles L. Bradley Great Lakes Exposition photo collection as part of her Senior Project in the spring of 2010 and to Vern Morrison of the Digital Production Unit at the Michael Schwartz Library who provided much of the text for this page.
Quartiles are useful, but they are also somewhat limited because they do not take into account every score in our group of data. To get a more representative idea of spread we need to take into account the actual values of each score in a data set. The absolute deviation, variance and
customize shoes nike air force ones
are such measures.
The absolute and mean absolute deviation show the amount of deviation (variation) that occurs around the mean score. To find the total variability in our group of data, we simply add up the deviation of each score from the mean. The average deviation of a score can then be calculated by dividing this total by the number of scores. How we calculate the deviation of a score from the mean depends on our choice of statistic, whether we use absolute deviation, variance or standard deviation .
Perhaps the simplest way of calculating the deviation of a score from the mean is to take each score and minus the mean score. For example, the mean score for the group of 100 students we used earlier was 58.75 out of 100. Therefore, if we took a student that scored 60 out of 100, the deviation of a score from the mean is 60 - 58.75 = 1.25. It is important to note that scores above the mean have positive deviations (as demonstrated above), whilst scores below the mean will have negative deviations.
To find out the total variability in our data set, we would perform this calculation for all of the 100 students' scores. However, the problem is that because we have both positive and minus signs, when we add up all of these deviations, they cancel each other out, giving us a total deviation of zero. Since we are only interested in the deviations of the scores and not whether they are above or below the mean score, we can ignore the minus sign and take only the absolute value, giving us the absolute deviation . Adding up all of these absolute deviations and dividing them by the total number of scores then gives us the mean absolute deviation (see below). Therefore, for our 100 students the mean absolute deviation is 12.81, as shown below:absolute deviation
Another method for calculating the deviation of a group of scores from the mean, such as the 100 students we used earlier, is to use the variance. Unlike the absolute deviation, which uses the absolute value of the deviation in order to "rid itself" of the negative values, the variance achieves positive values by squaring each of the deviations instead. Adding up these squared deviations gives us the sum of squares, which we can then divide by the total number of scores in our group of data (in other words, 100 because there are 100 students) to find the variance (see below). Therefore, for our 100 students, the variance is 211.89, as shown below:
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved.
adidas womens bomber jacket
. Any use is subject to the nike free run training womens network
. Additional credits and copyright information .
Your IP address is 188.8.131.52
A Scolaris platform, built by:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Conservative MPs are urging David Cameron to impose a "pause" before the appointment of a new Clerk of the House of Commons amid speculation that the post may go to a female high-flier headhunted from Australia.
Carol Mills, who currently runs the Department of Parliamentary Services in Canberra, is understood to have been one of a group of candidates interviewed for the £200,000-a-year post last week, alongside the current deputy clerk David Natzler.
No recommendation has yet been made to the Queen, who formally appoints the "chief executive" of the Commons, to replace Sir Robert Rogers following his retirement as Clerk.
But Tory MP Simon Burns said he suspected Speaker John Bercow favoured Ms Mills's candidacy for reasons of political correctness.
"Given that there was an in-house candidate who was eminently qualified to do the job, this is bizarre," Chelmsford West MP Mr Burns told the Mail on Sunday. "If this is Bercow's idea of political correctness - to have a woman - then it's absolutely staggering."
And fellow Conservative backbencher Rob Wilson told the newspaper: "Ms Mills undoubtedly has her merits and I have no reason to doubt she has performed her very different role as head of the staff of the Australian parliament in an exemplary way.
"But I know my colleagues are very concerned that the role of the Clerk of Commons, one of the most important and powerful officials in Parliament, should not be pushed through without the proper consultation and scrutiny of MPs.
"I believe the Prime Minister might wish to at least pause the process while the House of Commons isn't in session so that he can hear the views and concerns of MPs from across the House before fundamental and probably irreversible changes are made. 'It is important that any notable reform is made with the widest possible consent."
A spokeswoman for the Speaker's office confirmed that interviews of candidates to replace Sir Robert had now concluded. She pointed out that the name put forward to the Prime Minister will have been chosen by a recruitment panel, and not by Mr Bercow individually.
She added: "There's a very clear process when it comes to appointing a new Clerk. A recommendation is put to the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister then puts it to the Queen, and it is the Queen's appointment."
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.


text:
|請撳 Wikipedia:翻譯/Notability,去整翻譯請求。(翻譯指引)
|一句講嗮: 如果得到可靠而獨立嘅第二方來源嘅足夠覆蓋,噉一個話題就算係notable。
喺維基百科嘅資料一定要查證得到;如果揾唔到可靠嘅第三方來源,就唔應該畀佢獨立成文。維基百科對notability嘅概念,就係利用呢一個基本水平,去避免一個話題嘅乜嘢料都收一餐嘅情況。文章或者一覽表一定要係 notable,或者係「值得留意」。斷定一個話題嘅notability並唔一定要睇佢嘅名氣、重要性或者係廣泛性之類嘅嘢—雖則佢哋可能更令人覺得佢係符合下列指引。
- 佢符合下面嘅一般 notability 指引;同埋
- 維基百科唔係政策冇將佢排除在外。
A topic is presumed to be notable if it has received significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject.
- "Significant coverage" means that sources address the subject directly in detail, and no original research is needed to extract the content. Significant coverage is more than trivial but less than exclusive.1
- "Reliable" means sources need editorial integrity to allow verifiable evaluation of notability, per the reliable source guideline. Sources may encompass published works in all forms and media. Availability of secondary sources covering the subject are a good test for notability.2
- "Sources,"3 defined on Wikipedia as secondary sources, provide the most objective evidence of notability. The number and nature of reliable sources needed varies depending on the depth of coverage and quality of the sources. Multiple sources are generally preferred.4
- "Independent of the subject" excludes works produced by those affiliated with the subject including: self-publicity, advertising, self-published material by the subject, autobiographies, press releases, etc.5
Satisfying this presumption of notability indicates a particular topic is worthy of notice, and may be included in the encyclopedia as a stand-alone article. Verifiable content not supported by multiple independent sources may be appropriate for merger with another article.
Notability requires objective evidence[編輯]
The common theme in the notability guidelines is the requirement for verifiable objective evidence to support a claim of notability. Substantial coverage in reliable sources constitutes such objective evidence, as do published peer recognition and the other factors listed in the subject specific guidelines.
Articles not satisfying the notability guidelines[編輯]
If an article fails to cite sufficient sources to demonstrate the notability of its subject, look for sources yourself,6 or:
- Ask the article's creator for advice on where to look for sources.
- Put the {{notability}} tag on the article to alert other editors. To place a dated tag, put a {{subst:dated|notability}} tag.
- If the article is about a specialized field, use the {{expert-subject}} tag with a specific WikiProject to attract editors knowledgeable about that field, who may have access to reliable sources not available online.
If appropriate sources cannot be found, if possible, merge the article into a broader article providing context. Otherwise, if deleting: 7
- If the article meets our criteria for speedy deletion, one can use a criterion-specific deletion tag listed on that page.
- Use the {{prod}} tag, for articles which do not meet the criteria for speedy deletion, but are uncontroversial deletion candidates. This allows the article to be deleted after five days if nobody objects. For more information, see Wikipedia:Proposed deletion.
- For cases where you are unsure about deletion or believe others might object, nominate the article for the articles for deletion process, where the merits will be debated and deliberated for 5 days.
Notability is not temporary[編輯]
Wikinews, not Wikipedia, is better suited to present topics receiving a short burst of present news coverage. Thus, this guideline properly considers the long-term written coverage of persons and events8. In particular, a short burst of present news coverage about a topic does not necessarily constitute objective evidence of long-term notability. Conversely, if long-term coverage has been sufficiently demonstrated, there is no need to show continual coverage or interest.
Topics that did not meet the notability guidelines at one point in time may meet the notability guidelines as time passes. However, articles should not be written based on speculation that the topic may receive additional coverage in the future.
Notability guidelines do not directly limit article content[編輯]
Notability guidelines give guidance on whether a topic is notable enough to be included in Wikipedia as a separate article, but do not specifically regulate the content of articles, which is governed by other guidelines such as those on using reliable sources and on handling trivia. The particular topics and facts within an article are not each required to meet the standard of the notability guidelines.
See also[編輯]
Essays related to notability:
- Wikipedia:Arguments to avoid in deletion discussions - An essay arguing against the use of subjective criteria such as "I like it" and "I don't like it"
- Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Common outcomes - Summary of common outcomes from AfD discussions giving context to precedents.
- Wikipedia:Independent sources - An essay explaining further why independent sources are needed to write an encyclopedia article.
- Wikipedia:Notability/Arguments - A list of arguments for both application and non-application of notability.
- User:Uncle G/On notability - An exemplar arguing in favor of specific notability criteria
- Wikipedia:Non-notability/Essay - An exemplar of a dissenting view to notability arguments
- 註 1: Examples: The 360-page book by Sobel and the 528-page book by Black on IBM are plainly non-trivial. The one sentence mention by Walker of the band Three Blind Mice in a biography of Bill Clinton (Martin Walker (1992-01-06). "Tough love child of Kennedy". The Guardian. 檢查日期值喺:
|date=(詳情)) is plainly trivial.
- 註 2: Self-promotion, autobiography, and product placement are not the routes to having an encyclopedia article. The published works should be someone else writing independently about the topic. (See Wikipedia:Autobiography for the attribution and neutrality problems that affect material where the subject of the article itself is the source of the material. Also see Wikipedia:Independent sources.) The barometer of notability is whether people independent of the topic itself (or of its manufacturer, creator, author, inventor, or vendor) have actually considered the topic notable enough that they have written and published non-trivial works of their own that focus upon it.
- 註 3: Including but not limited to newspapers, books and e-books, magazines, television and radio documentaries, reports by government agencies, scientific journals, etc. In the absence of multiple sources, it must be possible to verify that the source reflects a neutral point of view, is credible and provides sufficient detail for a comprehensive article.
- 註 4: Lack of multiple sources suggests that the topic may be more suitable for inclusion in an article on a broader topic.
- 註 5: Several journals simultaneously publishing articles in the same geographic region about an occurrence, does not always constitute multiple works, especially when the authors are relying on the same sources, and merely restating the same information. Specifically, several journals publishing the same article within the same geographic region from a news wire service is not a multiplicity of works.
- 註 6: For instance, articles on minor characters in a work of fiction may be merged into a "list of minor characters in ..."; articles on schools may be merged into articles on the towns or regions where schools are located; relatives of a famous person may be merged into the article on the person; articles on persons only notable for being associated with a certain group or event may be merged into the main article on that group or event.
- 註 7: Wikipedia editors have been known to reject nominations for deletion that have been inadequately researched. Research should include attempts to find sources which might demonstrate notability, and/or information which would demonstrate notability in another manner.
- 註 8: See Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information; #5 News reports.


text:
The Peoria Sports Complex is the spring training and player development home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. The first two-team facility built in the country celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013, and is still thought of by many as the premier baseball facility in the country. Sitting on 145 acres, each team has 6 major league sized practice fields, several half fields, a 55,000+ square foot clubhouse, indoor/outdoor batting tunnels and cages, and are joined in the middle by a 12,000+ seat stadium.
A family environment: Spring Training offers a baseball environment like no other. Big league stars, up close and personal in the small confines of Peoria Stadium create an experience that is not to be missed. Baseball fans young and old develop and rekindle a passion for baseball at Spring Training every year.
Big League amenities: Spring Training gives fans that minor league ballpark intimacy with all of the big league stars and amenities. From first rate concessions to luxury boxes, Peoria Stadium has it all.
DIRECTIONS: Take either I-10 or I-17 to Loop 101(Agua Fria Freeway) Take Loop 101 West, if traveling on I-17, or Loop 101 North if traveling on I-10. From Loop 101, exit Bell Road east (exit 14). From Bell Road, turn south on 83rd Avenue. Peoria Sports Complex is approximately one-quarter mile down on the east side of 83rd Avenue.
Cibola Vista Resort
27501 North Lake Pleasant Road
Peoria, AZ 85383
(623) 889-6700
Comfort Suites
8473 W. Paradise Lane
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 334-3993
Extended Stay America
7345 W. Bell Road
Peoria, AZ 85382
(800) 398-7829
Hampton Inn
8408 W. Paradise Lane
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 486-9918
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
16771 N. 84th Ave.
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 853-1313
La Quinta Inn & Suites
16321 N. 83rd Ave.
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 487-1900
Ramada Inn
8955 NW Grand Ave.
Peoria, AZ 85345
(623) 979-7200
Residence Inn by Marriott
8435 W. Paradise Lane
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 979-2074


text:
Life on the Water
Tuesday, July 30, 2013 | Category: Uncategorized
It's truly amazing how quickly summer flies by every year, but here we are again, in the last month of the most anticipated time of year (in the Northeast). This is the month that most people like to save for vacation and I don't blame them – it's the perfect way to end your summer. So lately I've been hearing "We're off to Nantucket" or "Heading to our summer house on the lake for a couple weeks".. So, seeing as I have no summer house or plans to vacation in August I thought I'd take some time to fantasize about a house I'd like to be at over the next couple of weeks. Is it so wrong to get away even if it's just in my head? I didn't think so. One can dream…
This seems so simple yet so perfect
A retreat that I'm imagining to be on the water and if not, I'd still take it
A quaint cabin on an inlet or a lake
"Perfect Porch" is an understatement. I'd log in many naps on this hammock
Something a little more modern and perfectly lit at dusk
A rustic cabin and fresh water to bathe in
Pure delight
A log cabin I wouldn't mind escaping to
I'd most likely sleep on this over-sized chaise
A dock to fish on
- Posted By Rebecca-NY
- No Comments
- Category: Uncategorized


text:
Forum Index
Got info?
Forum Rules
Mortgage Lender
Hedge Fund
Home Builder
IEHI sites:
Fed Gallery of Shame
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
Prospect Mortgage. Will they survive 2010?
View next topic
View previous topic
Implode-Explode Forums Forum Index
Mortgage Lender Implode-O-Meter
Goto page
Mortgage Insider
Joined: 07 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
Location: California
Prospect Mortgage. Will they survive 2010?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 9:14 pm
I know I will receive 20 emails responding to what I'm going to say. These kool-aid drinkers are the same people who said everything was perfect at AHM and Indy Mac. If you are at Prospect, start looking for a plan B. If you're thinking about going to Prospect, save yourself the drama and just pass. Let me start by saying, there are some AMAZING people who work there. I wish them all the best of luck.
I work in the secondary dept of a different company. So I'm not trying to recruit anyone. I just want people to know what I'm hearing and make up their own minds.
* HUD is striping Prospect of its ability to self-insure FHA loans.
* Lost the Indy Mac REO account
* Landed the AHM REO account - It pays 35bps
* Just laid off 300 people (Ops and Sales)
* Numerous BK rumors (Sterling needs to protect itself from the Prospect's buybacks)
* Having to pay LO's 100% to get them back from PMB
* Commission tiers are being redesigned again.
* So proud to show off Todd Duncan. No other lender was willing to pay him. Of course you will all say he wanted to come there. If B of A beat your offer, he would be there.
* This is a company that is willing to offer anything to get someone to join the cult. If your company is ran correctly, people will knock down your door to work there.
You should all have a back up plan. If they run Prospect into the ground, there is no one else that would take your world. You would all have to make your own decisions and take charge of your own future. No more herd mentality!!
Joined: 07 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
Location: Nevada
Prospect SHOULD fail
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:24 pm
Prospect SHOULD NOT survive and they probably will not, although their relationship with AHMSI will probably carry them somewhat beyond 2010. Their corporate culture is fragmented and oriented to sales without regard to operational performance. They are driven solely on generating new loans by over-rewarding their top performers at the expense of those not a part of the inner circle. Their internal operations are disjointed and segregated into something more like internal fiefdoms with a total lack of care or empathy for their employees or their customers.
In just over a year there as an originator fewer than 10% of my purchase transactions closed on time (the inverse of my performance with prior employers.) In my final six weeks they claimed that I wasn't making [u]enough[/u] money on my transactions according to their ( previously undisclosed) standards and I ended up having to [b]pay them[/b] for several transactions resulting in a negative income. Fancy that, I generate business (that generates some profit for them) and I have to pay them the difference for the privilege of working there!
You forgot to mention that their warehouse lines are coming down hard on them because of profitabilty resulting in higher rates and fees.
Unless they can revamp their culture very quickly, they won't be around long.
Flash in the pan
Joined: 28 Aug 2007
Posts: 39
Location: AZ
Re: Prospect Mortgage. Will they survive 2010?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:27 pm
WOW! Just got a call from one of their recruiters this morning. Have not called him back yet. Now I think I'll call to see what he has to say.
Flash in the pan
Joined: 17 Nov 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Denver CO
Re: Prospect Mortgage. Will they survive 2010?
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:49 am
They were recruiting me hot and heavy in August with almost stalker like intensity.
After I expressed interest the whole thing disintegrated into a mess of missed appointments and contradictory information on their side.
Fact Guy
Joined: 08 Oct 2009
Posts: 3
Location: ca
Just the Facts
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 3:37 am
I did some research and noticed that there were more than a few blatant errors re: Prospect in earlier posts
So in order here goes (with correct spelling however)
1. "These kool-aid drinkers are the same people who said everything was perfect at AHM and Indy Mac"--interesting comment on a website designed to show imploded mortgage companies. Countrywide,Wamu,Wachovia, Nat City..all went down along with 363 companies since 2006. Everything was perfect until the entire sector was hit. What wasn't mentioned was that despite AHM being displaced, over 1200 people followed leadership over a 48 hr span to go to IMB and then followed to go to Prospect. Says a lot about the culture and leadership
2. HUD is striping Prospect of its ability to self-insure FHA loans- A) not true at all B) would a person in secondary from a different company really have access to this if it were true? Where are the facts? Who is the source? Almost not worthy of a response.
3&4. Lost IMB REO account- Landed AHM account (pays 35bps)- Again, false and false. Neither true. What is the source to this info?
5. Layoffs- Again, factually inaccurate. There were layoffs. Anyone who didn't close a single loan in 90 days and the employees that did not meet minimum standards were let go AFTER being put on a Performance improvement Plan. How this is a negative is beyond me...Don't companies often reduce force in good and bad markets when people do not perform?
6. BK rumors- Again, this is really deep insight from someone at secondary at a competitor clearly with an axe to grind. No truth to this..keep reading to see why.
7. Having to pay LO's 100% to get them back from PMB- Who and What is PMB? Is this a Mtg company? Never heard of this company. Do they do FHA Loans? Are they a broker or lender? Fact is Prospect has a great comp plan and yet they do not need to pay anyone 100% for anything.
8. Commission changes- Again? Since the merge of all Prospect business units in early 2009 there haven't been any changes to comp (unless it is for the better)
9. Todd Duncan- ...WHO would blast Todd Duncan? He is a True Mortgage Pioneer. This is unbelievable. Fact- SEVERAL companies called Todd and did offer significant money to continue to be independent. Fact- Todd, after years of working for himself wanted to be part of a Team and what people have paid thousands of dollars for over the years , now get it for free at Prospect.
10. Warehouse issues--Prospect has secured and EXPANDED Several warehouse line in 2009. Prospect hasn't lost a single Warehouse line.
Now to the facts-
Prospect is the largest independent private lender in the country
Prospect is the nations largest REO financer
Prospect is the 2nd largest 203k lender in the country
Prospect has been profitable every month in 2009.
Prospect has zero Alt A and subprime loans on their books
Prospect has hired high level execs, managers and originators and is continuously growing its sales force
Prospect has TODD DUNCAN..A mortgage Guru
Prospect has minimum standards and has several business drivers for originators to flourish in
Prospect has limited layers of leadership and has a CEO that is accessible when called. How many originators can call their CEO and receive a response?
It is very simple for a disgruntled former employee to hide behind a post and share "insider info" yet there are no facts or merit behind these comments. Post a name, and Pospect I am sure would share the real production numbers.
This is not a debate. These are facts.
Loans 4 u
Joined: 08 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 3:51 am
I have worked at 4 companies in 14 years as an originator. Wells Fargo, AHM, IMB and now Prospect. I have friends at several companies griping daily about the pain they experience. Borkers are dying, Banks are full of over regulation. I am so happy to be with the same team that supported me and my peers in 2007 when the c**p hit the fan in our industry. There is a thing called loyalty and integrity. I have it here. And I AM THRILLED there were layoffs. We need to get rid of the junk that clutters up our pipelines.
Joined: 08 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
Location: NY
Todd Duncan
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 4:02 am
First off..I work for Wells. I love todd Duncan. I have attended his Mastery for 8 yrs and I have read all of his books. Todd going to Prospect speaks volumes about them. We now are all worse off in our sales advancement without Todd there. I dont endorse Prospect but I do take offense to anyone stating noone wanted Todd. I actually signed up for the Todd Duncan Facebook page just to follow him and on his twitter.
We have a code of honor in this business. Publically bashing one another behind the mask of a positing shows no honor. My name is Tracy. I work at Wells. I live in NY. I am not hiding.
loan king
Joined: 08 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
Location: AZ
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 4:15 am
I work for Prospect as a loan originator. My branch let go of 3 non performing originators. It was a great day. Not to sound insensitive but I love working for a performance driven company that holds standards for producers. Having low performers only makes us look bad. Let these guys go to BofA....
Joined: 08 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
Location: Modesto
on the map now
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 4:22 am
Fact Guy forgot one thing...Prospect is one of a select few pre-approved Fannie May HomePath lenders...
I love this forum...A few factless cowards ranting about prospect shows how much of a threat Prospect is to the Big Boys. No one slams the David...Everyone targets Goliath.
Joined: 08 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
Ops in the house
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 5:08 am
I am an UW for Prospect. At least I try to be :) At least 5 times per week I am meeting new sales recruits from several of the TARP lenders that want to see how our flow is here at Prospect compared to theirs. I hear the following daily "it's that easy???...you can view your closings on the Team Site?, how long does it take to close really?"
Say what you will about the Industry...or Prospect..but being inside and seeing how hard we work to support our growing volume makes me proud to be here.
Display posts from previous:
All Posts
1 Day
7 Days
2 Weeks
1 Month
3 Months
6 Months
1 Year
Oldest First
Newest First
Implode-Explode Forums Forum Index
Mortgage Lender Implode-O-Meter
Goto page
Jump to:
Select a forum
General Forum Discussion
General Discussion
-- New Members
-- Idle Chatter (aka "The Romper Room")
Finance & Economic Discussion Forum
Political Debate and Discussion
Mortgage Lender Implode-O-Meter
-- Mortgage Jobs Board
-- The Mortgage Marketing Board
-- Loan Scenarios
-- Foreclosure, REO, Loan Mod's or Short Sale Talk
-- FHA Forum
Bank Implode-O-Meter
Home Builder Implode-O-Meter
Hedge Fund Implode-O-Meter
Commentary on News, Articles and Blog Posts
Mortgage & Housing
-- News Discussion
-- Company Discussion
-- FHA Blog Discussion
-- FHA News Discussion
-- Article discussion
Mandelman Blog Discussion
IEHI news discussion
Home Builders
-- HBI News Discussion
-- Home Builder Implosion / Ailing / Watch Discussion
-- Bank Blog Discussion
-- Writedown and Distress Discussion
-- Implodes Discussion
-- Bank News Discussion
Hedge Funds
-- HFI News Discussion
-- Hedge Fund Implosion / Ailing / Watch Discussion
-- HF Articles Discussion
Forum Archives
The Niche Report - Mortgage Industry Magazine
Miscellaneous Housing & Finance Discussions
-- Note and REO
-- Stock Talk
-- Economic News
-- Commodities
-- All Things Taylor, Bean & Whitaker
Appraisers' Corner - Everything Appraisal
National Valuation Service - Registrants Only Forum
Chavez Watch
Bernanke Panky / Fed Gallery of Shame
View next topic
View previous topic
post new topics in this forum
reply to topics in this forum
edit your posts in this forum
delete your posts in this forum
vote in polls in this forum
Powered by
2.0.22-2 (Debian) © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group ::
FI Theme
:: All times are GMT


text:
Gay-Straight Alliance Network releases "Implementing Lessons That Matter: The Impact of LGBTQ-Inclusive Curriculum On Student Safety, Well-Being, and Achievement," including practical implementation action guide for advocates
San Francisco –A report released today by Gay-Straight Alliance Network examines the effectiveness of different approaches to implementing lessons that are inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) people. The findings illustrate the critical impact administrator support for LGBTQ-inclusive lessons can have, as well as the need to engage all stakeholders in the school community, from students to state education officials.
"This new research underscores the importance of LGBTQ-inclusive lessons in keeping all students safe and connected to school," said Carolyn Laub, Executive Director of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. "Further, this report builds on that research to outline clear paths for students, teachers, administrators, and policymakers to effectively advocate for lessons that are factual and relevant to all students."
Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative research, the report lifts up the experiences of students, documents various paths to implementation and their subsequent impact on student feelings of safety in three different schools, and examines lessons learned from earlier campaigns to implement ethnic studies curriculum. The report translates this research into an implementation action guide that contains clear steps for state policymakers, state education administrators, local district officials, teachers, students, and community members.
"Today's report clearly shows that LGBTQ-inclusive lessons increase school safety," said Stephen T. Russell, an author of the report and University of Arizona Professor. "At a time when there is more concern than ever about LGBTQ bullying and safety in schools, this research confirms that students need to see themselves reflected in lessons. When they do, they feel safer and more connected at school – and the school climate is healthier for everyone."
The research primarily took place in California after the passage of the FAIR Education Act, which updated state education guidelines to end the exclusion of LGBT people and people with disabilities from social studies and history classes. Despite the law, there is significant work left before LGBTQ-inclusive lessons are a reality in every California school. The report outlines the path to implementation in California, as well as steps for advocates in other states to move toward LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum.
The Implementing Lessons That Matter report expands on previous research that found a correlation between schools with LGBTQ-inclusive lessons and student-reported feelings of safety.
The full report is available for download here: Implementing Lessons That Matter: The Impact of LGBTQ-Inclusive Curriculum On Student Safety, Well-Being, and Achievement
Download the action guide: Implementation action guide for advocates
Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a national youth leadership organization that empowers youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools by training student leaders and supporting student-led Gay-Straight Alliance clubs throughout the country. In California alone, GSA Network has brought GSA clubs to 56% of public high schools, impacting more than 1.1 million students at over 900 schools. GSA Network's youth advocates have played a key role in changing laws and policies that impact youth at the local and state level. GSA Network operates the National Association of GSA Networks, which unites 37 statewide networks of GSA clubs throughout the country. GSA Network is also the founder of the Make It Better Project, which aims to stop bullying and prevent suicide. www.gsanetwork.org


text:
Fraud and Abuse in Clinical Research: Three Case Studies
By Julie M. Rusczek, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Milwaukee, WI andAndrew P. Rusczek, Ropes & Gray LLP, Boston, MA
The federal government is renewing its focus on fraud and abuse in clinical research activities at a time when pharmaceutical, device, and biotech companies are sponsoring an increasing number of clinical trials. In light of these trends, industry sponsors and institutions that conduct research studies must be increasingly vigilant in their compliance efforts. This article presents three common clinical research scenarios that pose fraud and abuse concerns and offers suggestions for mitigating risk of fraud and abuse violations. 1
Research Involving Non-Employed Physician Investigators
A hospital enters into an agreement with a pharmaceutical company to conduct a drug study. The physician who will serve as the principal investigator is not a hospital employee. The principal investigator asks the hospital to pass along to him half of the funds that the hospital will receive from the sponsor pharmaceutical company for conducting the study, figuring that a 50/50 split would be fair.
This arrangement raises a number of fraud and abuse concerns, most notably under the federal Stark law 2 (the "Stark Law"). The Stark Law prohibits physicians from making referrals for designated health services for which payment may be made under the Medicare or Medicaid programs to any entity with which the physician has a financial relationship. 3 The term "financial relationship" is defined to include a "compensation arrangement," and a compensation arrangement is any arrangement involving remuneration, direct or indirect, between a physician (or a member of the physician's immediate family) and an entity. 4 The term "designated health services" includes, among other services, clinical laboratory services, radiology and other imaging services, and inpatient and outpatient hospital services. 5 The Stark Law is a law of strict liability; therefore, if a financial relationship does not meet each element of an applicable exception to the Stark Law, the referrals are prohibited.
The arrangement outlined above implicates the Stark Law because the funds passed along to the principal investigator's practice create a compensation arrangement between the hospital and the physician, and the physician may refer enrolled subjects and other patients to the hospital to receive designated health services reimbursed under Medicare or Medicaid. Arrangements such as this one should be structured to fit within the Stark Law's exception for personal service arrangements. 6 To fit within this exception, personal service arrangements must meet a number of requirements, including, among others, the following:
In the scenario presented, the hospital must assess the fair market value of the principal investigator's services provided during the drug study and ensure that the funds that it passes along to the principal investigator do not exceed fair market value; passing along half of the funds when, for example, the physician is playing only a minor role in the conduct of the clinical trial would violate the Stark Law. 8 Further, the arrangement between the hospital and physician should be documented in a research services agreement that specifies the services to be performed by the physician as principal investigator. In addition to addressing compensation, this agreement should address compliance, insurance and indemnification, and other issues that are relevant to the hospital's and physician's roles in conducting the clinical trial.
Although, from a fraud and abuse perspective, issues under the Stark Law are most notable here, this arrangement, if not structured properly, may violate other laws, including the federal anti-kickback statute and implementing regulations 9 (the "Anti-Kickback Statute"), discussed further below.
Marketing Disguised as Research
A physician is invited by a pharmaceutical company to take part in a study involving an FDA-approved drug. The physician's responsibilities entail prescribing the drug for patients and then completing three questionnaires about each patient's experience with the drug. The questionnaires are quite short and will take about 20 minutes each to complete. The sponsor will pay $1,500 for each completed questionnaire. The physician is very interested in participating because it looks like a great way to increase practice revenues.
Among other fraud and abuse concerns, this arrangement raises concerns under the Anti-Kickback Statute. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits the knowing and willful solicitation, receipt, offer or payment of any remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, in return for either referrals of Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries or the arranging, recommending, leasing or ordering of any item or service reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid. 10 This scenario could violate the Anti-Kickback Statute because it appears that the pharmaceutical company is knowingly making a payment to the physician in return for the physician prescribing the company's drug, which may be reimbursed under Medicare and/or Medicaid.
The Anti-Kickback Statute regulations include a safe harbor for personal services contracts. 11 The personal services safe harbor has similar requirements as the Stark Law's exception for personal service arrangements, including that the arrangement be set out in a writing signed by the parties and that the payment constitute fair market value for the services rendered. 12 The arrangement above would not qualify for the personal services safe harbor because the payments made to the physician far exceed the fair market value of the physician's time to enroll the subjects and complete the questionnaires. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General closely scrutinizes arrangements such as this one—where physicians are compensated above fair market value to participate in post-marketing studies—because these arrangements may involve sham studies or marketing efforts disguised as research. 13
Unlike the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute is an intent-based statute, and therefore an arrangement that does not fit within an exception to the Anti-Kickback Statute may be permitted based on a facts and circumstances analysis. However, a facts and circumstances analysis is unlikely to be helpful here as this study appears to be intended, at least in part, to induce physicians to prescribe the pharmaceutical company's drug.
This arrangement may also violate other laws, including the False Claims Act, described further below.
Double Billing
A patient arrives at a hospital for a physician-ordered x-ray. After the patient makes a vague reference to a clinical trial in which she is participating, the hospital double checks the order form to confirm it is performing the correct x-ray. The hospital later bills Medicare for the x-ray. After receiving Medicare reimbursement, the hospital receives a check from the physician group to pay for performing the x-ray because the x-ray was requested as part of a clinical trial sponsored by a medical device company. The physician group received payments from the medical device company to conduct the clinical trial.
This scenario raises concerns under the False Claims Act. 14 The False Claims Act prohibits knowingly filing a false claim with the federal government or causing the filing of a false claim, creating a false record to get a claim paid, and concealing an obligation to repay monies owed to the federal government. 15 In this case, the hospital's and physician's failure to determine which research costs should be covered by the research sponsor and which costs may be billed to Medicare could result in a violation of the False Claims Act because the hospital billed Medicare for a service that was covered by the device company.
Before providing services to a patient enrolled in a clinical trial, the hospital should determine, working with the principal investigator and sponsor, which services will be performed by the hospital, who will be responsible for payment for each service, and how research participants will be identified when presenting to the hospital. The hospital should also consider taking other measures to help ensure compliance, such as educating its billing personnel regarding clinical research reimbursement issues.
As the federal government steps up its fraud and abuse enforcement efforts, research sponsors and health care providers participating in clinical research should review and update their compliance policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that they will not find themselves engaging in all too common practices, including those described above, that could violate fraud and abuse laws.
The ABA Health eSource is distributed automatically to members of the ABA Health Law Section . Please feel free to forward it! Non-members may also sign up to receive the ABA Health eSource.


text:
SEAPAX Home
SEAPAX is a group of former Peace Corps volunteers dedicated to improving international understanding at all levels. We aim to fulfill the 3rd goal of the Peace Corps: Bringing the World Back Home. We draw on the lessons we have learned from living in the two-thirds world to promote increased understanding of the social, political and economic circumstances, as well as the global interdependence, of people worldwide.
The SEAPAX was founded in 1977 by returned Peace Corps Volunteers living in greater Seattle. Originally called RAVN, Returned Action Volunteers of the Northwest, it included both former Peace Corps and VISTA volunteers among its members. The group was renamed The Washington State Peace Corps Association in 1996, then renamed SEAPAX in 2007. We now have satellite groups in three other Puget Sound communities. Our group has been an affiliate of the National Peace Corps Association since 1983.
To meet the 3rd Goal, we participate in a variety of activities, including:
- Global education efforts of local educational institutions, organizations, and the media
- Outreach to immigrant communities in Washington State
- Community service projects
- Participation in peace & justice venues on current events
- Recruitment of potential new Peace Corps Volunteers
- Involvement with other organizations with similar goals
Meetings & Events
We hold both business meetings and social gatherings throughout the year, along with periodic special events. Each month we schedule a general meeting with potluck dinner on a weekend, a mid-week evening gathering at a pub (may include some business) and an eats-out night at a local ethnic restaurant.
The present meeting schedule is:
- General meeting & potluck: 2nd Sunday
- Eats-out night: 3rd Friday
- Pub gathering: last Tuesday
SEAPAX traditionally holds a holiday party & potluck dinner in December, and a summer picnic at a local park. Guest are welcome at all our events, and invitations are often extended to international visitors and students. We also participate in regional meetings of RPCV groups and a regional summer campout, held in rotating locations.
Peace Corps Recruitment
SEAPAX assists the local Peace Corps office with recruiting efforts. We participate in outreach events across Western Washington, the annual Peace Corps Day held in March at the UW Evans School of Public Affairs (home of the Peace Corps Masters International Program) and in the annual May send-off party for new volunteers. We host the Peace Corps director and staff from the other Washington when they visit our area.
Since its inception, the SEAPAX has raised funds for a variety of international projects. Fundraising venues include annual sales of the ever-popular multicultural photo calendars produced by the Madison, WI RPCV group; sales of logo items; benefit dances; and craft sales. Through these efforts we have been able to assist projects of current Peace Corps volunteers, as well as work of organizations in former PC countries.
Community Service
Our ongoing volunteer efforts also include support for domestic projects serving vulnerable populations. Group members frequently are involved with food drives, environmental projects, Habit for Humanity work parties, school programs, and more. For 2005-06 we are sponsoring an ongoing book drive on behalf of middle school in Slidell, LA which lost its entire library collection to Hurricane Katrina.
In collaboration with other local groups with focused on promoting peace and international understanding, we may sponsor speakers, seminars, and other cultural events. We also can provide speakers to schools and organizations. We are actively seeking participants for our Speakers Bureau.